collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•twenty-four• before

~~~~~Haerin

I'm sitting in a cafe near our apartment building, choking back the tears that are threatening. I've been to 5 different places, and interviewed for positions I'm definitely qualified for. It was the same story at each place. When they asked about my work experience, there was no good answer. A lie would get me fired if they found out, so I told the truth. At least I told them where I worked. I guess club RED is known, even in Seoul.

As soon as my last place of employment was revealed, the looks on their faces would change. Suddenly they would be looking down their noses at me. I was dressed in a very conservative outfit, and had tried hard every time not to cry. At the last bar, I let a tear escape, and looking into the eyes of the man conducting the interview, I begged. I let my stupid emotions run away, and I begged him for a job that my kids wouldn't be ashamed of.

I remember his look changed into one of desire, and I felt uncomfortable. I was not prepared for his advances as I was not in my 'armor'... He stood and walked around the desk toward my trembling frame. When he was in front of me, his bulge evident in his pants, I watched in horror as he started to undo his belt...

"Show me what you got kitten, and I'll consider to hire you."

Now I'm here in this cafe with no idea what happened after that. Why can't I remember? Looking at my watch I can see that hours have passed, and my head is pounding. Why is this my life? How can I afford to get Mi-Hi's treatments, and pay my bills with no job? I feel my phone vibrate, but when I take it out and see it's Naeun Unnie, I decline the call. She's going to be so disappointed in me. How will I even face her, or my children?

~~~~~Naeun

I've been calling Haerin all afternoon, but she isn't answering. I'm trying to fight the rising panic with the idea that something has happened to her. I picked up the kids at school, and we went to get food. Ye-Jun loved telling all about their first day in class. He said that even Mi-Hi liked all the stuffed toys to play with.

At the mention of her name, Mi-Hi starts her babbling. 'Mama' combined with unintelligible mumblings, but big hand and arm gestures had me and her brother grinning. We nodded at her excited state like we understood what she was telling us. The smile on her face, and the twinkle in her eyes was a beautiful sight.

Now we're home, and the kids are bathed and ready for bed. I still don't know where Haerin is, but I can't let the kids see my concern. We sit together on the bed while I read a story. Mi-Hi is asleep first, and Ye-Jun gives up not long after. I tuck them in and move to make some tea. I wonder if maybe she got a job today and started immediately. That must be what happened. Otherwise she would have answered my calls. My phone dings and I check it, seeing a text from Chul.

[I just wanted to let you know that Haerin is here>

<Thank God! I was so worried!]

[I don't know what happened but she was crying when she arrived.😔 I'm letting her drink for a bit and I'll make sure she gets home safe>

<Alright... She's Haerin? Not the other? 🤞]

[Seems like it... But she is a little out of it. If I find out anything I'll call.>

Setting my phone aside, I sit and try to figure out what's next. We've only been here for a few weeks, and as hopeful as I felt at first, I'm not sure if Haerin can handle it.

~~~~~Haerin

I know that Naeun Unnie is upset with me. I never came home until early morning, and she was awake waiting for me. I was too ashamed to look at her, so I went right to the bathroom. Stripping my clothes off, I climbed in the shower and let the hot water run all over my body. My muscles relaxed as I washed my hair. I don't know how to explain to Unnie what happened. I don't want to see her look of disappointment again.